'''''Roots''''' is a 1977 [[movie]] starring [[LeVar Burton]] as Kunta Kinte, an [[Africa]]n [[slave]] brought to America serve in an eigtheenth-century [[plantation]]. The movie was [[controversy|controversial]] at the time for its blunt and socially progressive depiction of [[slavery]]. It was also historically significant for bringing to prominence several of its stars, including [[LeVar Burton]], [[Cicely Tyson]], and [[Beverly Todd]].

'''''Roots''''' is a 1977 [[movie]] starring [[LeVar Burton]] as Kunta Kinte, an [[Africa]]n [[slave]] brought to America serve in an eigtheenth-century [[plantation]]. The movie was [[controversy|controversial]] at the time for its blunt and socially progressive depiction of [[slavery]]. It was also historically significant for bringing to prominence several of its stars, including [[LeVar Burton]], [[Cicely Tyson]], and [[Beverly Todd]].

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''Roots'' was based on the novel of the same name by [[Arthur Hailey]]. Hailey's novel was far more graphic and original than the film version, which preserved the book's tone while cutting out many of the more squeamish scenes, such as one in which Kinte is attacked with a [[branding iron]].

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''Roots'' was based on the book of the same name by [[Arthur Hailey]]. Hailey's book was far more graphic and original than the film version, which preserved the book's tone while cutting out many of the more squeamish scenes, such as one in which Kinte is attacked with a [[branding iron]].

''Roots'' was followed in 1979 by a documentary, ''Roots: The Next Generation'', also starring Burton.

''Roots'' was followed in 1979 by a documentary, ''Roots: The Next Generation'', also starring Burton.

Roots was based on the book of the same name by Arthur Hailey. Hailey's book was far more graphic and original than the film version, which preserved the book's tone while cutting out many of the more squeamish scenes, such as one in which Kinte is attacked with a branding iron.

Roots was followed in 1979 by a documentary, Roots: The Next Generation, also starring Burton.